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Pathankot is also used as a gateway for Chamba and Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh and for various locations in Jammu and Kashmir like Jammu City Mansar Lake, Srinagar, Udhampur, Holy Cave at Amarnath, Patni Top and Holy Cave of Mata Vashino Devi (Katra) 155 km away from Pathankot.

Pathankot Air Force Base (IATA: IXP) has previously served some civilian flights to Delhi and Dharamsala,Ludhiana but as of 2008 there are no scheduled services. Air Deccan(now Kingfisher Red) also has services to Pathankot.

Pathankot is a major railroad junction and the nearest mainline station to Dharamsala. Lines from Amritsar (2 hrs) and Delhi (8 hrs) merge here, and all services to Jammu (2 hrs) pass through. In addition to Pathankot station itself, there is a second station called Chakki Bank just 4 km away, which serves some express trains that do not stop in Pathankot station. Nowadays the majority of the Jammu trains stop only at Chakki Bank and not at Pathankot. Unfortunately Chakki Bank is a smaller station with limited facilities.

In addition, Pathankot is also served by the narrow-gauge Kangra Valley Railway (a.k.a. Kangra Toy Train) built by the British, which crawls 128 km through stunning scenery to Joginder Nagar via Palampur and Kangra (near Dharamsala). However, the luxury Kangra Queen services were terminated back in 2003, leaving about 6 departures daily of slow, often packed second class trains, taking over six hours. Bookings for these can only be done locally at Pathankot station. Some of these trains run to Baijnath Paprola and a few to Joginder Nagar. The main stations on this line include Kangra and Palampur, although Dalhousie and Dharmasala are not on the line.

The main bus stand has been renovated. It's close to the railway station. Formerly, there were two bus stations: a small one right next to the train station (for Himachal buses) and the main bus stand a few kilometres away. Public HRTC buses to Dharamsala take 3-4 twisting and turning hours and cost Rs.75, while buses to Amritsar take 3 hours and cost the same. Dalhousie famous destination for honeymoon couples is at just 80 km from Pathankot.

Pathankot is situated at the entry point of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The famous Hindu Pilgrimage Vaishno devi is just 160 km from Pathankot. From Chandigarh, you can reach here in just 6 hours. It is well connected with bus services from Punjab roadways, Haryana Roadways, Himachal Roadways and J&K transport.

You can take an auto rickshaw or a bicycle rickshaw at cheap rates. You can reach at any part of Pathankot by spending just Rs 5 or a maximum of Rs 10. These are quite the safest modes of transport in Patahnkot.

Pathankot city is surrounded by both the Shivalik range, part of what makes up the foothills of The Himalayas, and the river Chakki. There are some old temples like Kali Mata Mandir, Mandir Aashapurni, Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, and Bhagwan Shiri Satya Sai Baba's Mandir at the northern part of town in the village Manwal. There are also beautiful British-era churches on Mission Road, huge Gurudwaras (Sikh temples) and a very ancient mosque right in the middle of downtown Pathankot, mixing all the colorful cultures of India.

There is a beautiful view of the river Ravi from "Pari Baagh" Madhupur.

There is a fortress called the Nurpur Fort built by the PathaniaRajputs, more than 900 years ago. It was damaged due to the great earthquake which struck this region early in 1905 A.D., 25 km from Pathankot. It is quite famous in North India, and the temple inside attracts tourists from all across India. It is 25 km away from Pathankot.

Shahpurkandi fort is also one of the main attractions of Pathankot city. It was built in 1505 A.D. by a Rajput chief, by the name of Jaspal Singh Pathania. It was strategically located to have control over the Kangra and Nurpur region. The fort is in ruins, and is famous for its temples and the view it commands over the Ravi river.

The ancient Shiva temple Kathgarh. The ancient Shiva temple, 'Kathgarh', is approximately 25 km from PTK. During "Naag panchami", the gap between two shiva parvati holy stones reduces and during "shivrathri" the gap increases. There is no clue as to how that happens. But truly it's a magic of its own. To reach there one has to go to Indora (HP), which is 20 km away from ptk. Don't miss this temple if you visit Pathankot.

Also seek to visit Jugial Township, which is located 15 km (approx) from Pathankot. This place has greenery all around and one Laxmi Narayan Mandir which is the biggest among the nearby areas.

There is an important temple named Kathgarh Mandir. It is is approximately 30 km from Pathankot towards Indora/chanour (H.P). This temple is very historical temple. It is said that this temple was constructed at the time of Alexander The Great.

The famous road/colony that forms the heart of city are 'mission road ', 'Model Town', Jodhamal colony, 'green heaven colony' and 'Patel chownk' road. Famous temples are Ashapurni mandir, Kali mata ka mandir, Shani Dev mandir, Raghunath Mandir in Mirpur Colony (Model Town), Hanuman Mandir near railway station, Ramlila ground. Also, devotees visit CNI church, Peer baba on Patel chownk. Now new localities are coming up like 'Victoria Estate' and place near 'Doji Raam ki Nursery'. The residential land is decreasing day by day in its vicinity apart from famous 'Victoria Estate', land near 'Doji Raam ki Nursery' that are close to Shahpur Chownk and 'Green Heaven Colony'.

Make sure you visit Dalhousie in winter (after 25th December) you can catch some real snow. Moreover, when you visit Dalhousie, don't forget to make your trip to Khajjiar. No wonder they call it an Indian Switzerland (try balloon riding, paragliding for kids, horse riding, taking a picture in their traditional dress, and dining at the restaurants.) To get your adrenaline flow, drive from Khagiar to chamba; the narrow roads with breathtaking views will make your adrenaline flow for sure.

For religious trips like Jwalaji (130 km), Chintpurni (130 km), Pathankot becoms an ideal place to rest before heading to the hill route the next morning. A Grand Ranjit Sagar Dam (earthen Dam made of mud and not concrete) is a 100 km water reservoir. This is the latest tourist spot of Pathankot and is in "Must Visit". Chinmayya Temple (Swami Chinmayya Nand) is also on the way to Yol Camp (100 km). This is the place where the German Soldiers (POW) were kept in confinement after the Second World War by the British.

Kath Garh Temple: The last destination of the Greek emperor Sikandar. While returning back to Greece, The emperor Sikandar's Army refused to cross this area. Hence, only Sikandar with his Greek team went ahead, leaving the most of Indian army here. A big festival happens in the Kathgarh during the Shivratri, during which thousands of people come to view visit this place.

There are huge gardens of mango, litchi etc. You will find "dusheri mango" gardens fully loaded in the months of April. The flavour of mangoes will make you crazy for them. Litchi gardens for which pathankot is famous are full with red coloured fruit in months of May. Don't miss the chance to eat this by directly plucking from tree.

Just at the outskirts now there is CCD and Nirula's, also for food lovers.

Pathankot is rich of its institutes : S.M.D.R.S.D college is the oldest college of Pathankot, likewise Pathankot has AB college, Utkrisht college, Rama chopara and Arya Girls college. Pathankot is developing very fast and now many management and technical institutes are started here such as Beant College of Engineering and Technology (35 km from Pathankot), Sri Sai institute of Engg & Tech (18 km from Pathankot), Aman Institute Of Engg & Tech, A&M institute Of Engg & Tech.

Pathankot was once famous for the timber trade with fine varieties of deodar, pine, fir and spruce being brought in from the far flung forests of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Buying furniture is a good option in Pathankot. One can visit "Wood art Furniture Gallery" or one of the oldest furniture showroom in Pathankot "Standard Furniture Showroom" for best quality furniture.

Mission Road: At this place you can find all the branded showrooms for shoes and clothes (Diesel, Benetton, Cantabill, Flying Machine, Nike, Adidas, Reebok, etc).

Sujanpur Market: If you want to purchase clothes at cheap and best rates, this is the place. People from Himachal, J&K came to this bazaar for shopping. Famous shops include " Bhatia Cloth House". People used to visit this market to shop for weddings. Also famous for utensils.

Ghandi Chowk: Here you can find all the shops including branded showrooms. "Ghorkhas" are one of the oldest showroom of Pathankot and people still love to visit this shop. The "City Plaza" opposite the main post office has emerged as a major destination for all the fashion lovers of the city. Their ready made section "Passions" houses the most famous clothing brands. A range of fashionable tunics, kurtis and tops as well as Men's designer clothes makes shopping experience at "Passions" a memorable one.

You can buy pure and semi pure pashmina shawls from here because of its closeness to two important pashmina manufacturing states Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. It's also famous for its crockery factory.

A very good collection of computer accessories can also be found here.

You can get excellent North Indian delicacies round the clock. A few of the renowned restaurants of the city are Hotel Venice, Hotel Woodland, Moti Mahal, Unite Hotel, Hotel Pathankot.

If you really love to eat spicy Punjabi food, then visit "Makhan da dhaba" near the railway line. It is very famous for its cheap and tasty food. It serves Dal Tarka, Channa Masala, Muttar Paneer and many more spicy dishes and a meal for two costs only Rs. 50. This may be among the cheapest and tastiest food in the area.

You can also go for a walk in the evening towards Dalhousie Road and find many delicacies(Specially Non Veg) and street food. You will find South Indian dishes like dosa, idli. Northern, punjabi naan chole, fast food in famous prince da dhaba you will also find non veg, ice cream and lots more.

You can also visit "Sanjha Chulla" on NH One from Pathankot To Jammu Raod near bridge number 3. It is very famous and for its food. They serve "Sahi Panner, Dal Makhani, mix veg, Channa Masala and many more. Above all, try their "Kheer". Two people can eat good food for only Rs.100. This may be among the cheapest and tastiest food in the area.

If you are die hard fan of non veg, then a must visit is "Chan ka Dhaba and Baba Ka Dhaba" at Dalhousie Road, Pathankot. You will get lot of variety of chicken and mutton dishes. Specialty: Mutton Tikka, chicken Tikka, mutton curry and Tandoori chicken and mutton Champ.

If you love sweets, you can visit 'Shhani di Hatti', 'Banarsi Di Hatti' (Banarsi's Shop), famous for a sweet called Palang-tod, meaning one which can break (tod) a bed (palang), basically a milk cake or PGT. The shop has been making it for more than 70 years. Also BIkaner Sweets is a good choice.

Must Try: Very old and very famous for "Burfi". If you are in Pathankot, then don't forget to eat "Khaare Kho ki Burfi". Just ask for "Khaara Khu" and people will guide you to get there.

You can also try puris with chana and lassi in breakfast, and the famous bakery shops of Saini bakers and A-One bakers.

If you get bored with all spicy and fast food and want to have some home like food prepared with pure desi ghee at very reasonable prices, then you can go to "Chamba Dhabha" at Post office chowk. Don't go with the name of "Dhabha" (basically this is the one of the oldest hotels of Pathankot). Here you can really enjoy the taste of Himachal as all the cooks and staff have roots from Chamba.

If you're just passing through Pathankot and want to have anything from a quick munch to a splurge , stopover at:

Moti Mahal is the best restaurant in pathankot with its lounge bar,terrace morrocan open bar & restaurant & a party hall to catter parties up to 200 people, which is a branch of well known moti mahal restaraunt of delhi.Moti Mahal’s Tandoori Trail showcases great recipes, some inherited and some a result of experimentation by the author, which are as delicious today as they were 57 years ago. This is a collection of secret recipes offered to the lovers of good food and as a token of their loyalty towards Moti Mahal’s cuisine worldwide. Enjoy and savour each of them. Besides this treasure house of recipes, a picture gallery of unique photographs of Kundan Lal Gujral at several award ceremonies, as well as with various dignitaries including former president Zakir Hussain, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Kennedy.

Hotel Woodland[1], Dhangu Rd. Situated in the heart of the city. This place has a fine restaurant and spacious, well equipped rooms. It is the most obvious choice for most of the travelers. It is a two star hotel, certified by HRANI (Hotel and Restaurant Association of Northern India).

Honey Bun It is a fast food restaurant cum bakery shop near Hotel Woodland. Its amazing ambience will surprise you. The prices are very reasonable. It is the best place in the town where you will get value for money food along with a great eating experience.

This city is famous for Lichis. You can eat the fruit or ask for lichi juice. In seasons other than summer when you canot get fresh Lichi, ask for packaged lichi juice. Many big companies like package it.

You can ask for Apple which is grown in adjoining Himachal Pradesh any time of the year at reasonable price.

Hotel Woodland a hot nightspot from the moment it opened, a dazzling venue decorated in a riotous collection of styles. It features a forest outlook and furniture design that looks like jungle safari. It is the perfect place for drinks, lively conversation, people-watching, and experiencing the undeniable excitement of the city.

Coral: One of hottest nightspots from the moment it opened. One of the oldest and best place to hang out. Especially in Summers. Prices as per the location are affordable.

Hotel Venice: One of the best bar in the City. You can get the bottle of beer in just 80 rs and snacks offered really affordable. Best hospitality in the town.

To have the great taste of LASSI go to lassi shop in sabzi mandi at Gandhi Chowk.There you will get a full glass of lassi at very cheaper prices and just with one glass you will not feel hungary till evening

Hotel Woodland (2 star)[3]. Hotel Woodland is a Luxurious hotel centrally located near the domestic airport and railway station. The Hotel is Pathankot's only Luxury hotel which is rated 2 STAR by HRANI (Hotel and Restaurant Association of Northern India). It has 18 rooms in a variety of classes. Relish your stay at Hotel Woodland.

Hotel u-nite

Dee pee residency

Walia Resort

Hotel Venice.Hotel Venice is marvelous hotel with very well educated staff.You will enjoy the hospitality and food provided.This is at Dhangu road and is easily accessible

Hotel Stay-Well - As of April 2008, Hotel Stay-Well was under construction, but was still open. A highly recommended hotel for it is conveniently located near the bus station and a short rickshaw to the train station. Now the hotel will be opening adittional rooms, incresing its capacity, own parking available. Well ventilated.

Aura lounge bar, gk plaza, 2nd floor , moti mahal grand (saili road), ☎0186-2252515. Contemprory decor and some best cocktails in town , perfect place to hang out with friends to watch a match on big projector screen edit

Pathankot is by and large a very safe place. Violent crime is almost unheard of, although it's important to keep an eye on your belongings in public, as petty theft can occur at Railway stations. Do report any such activity to the police. Keep away from the touts. Most part of Pathankot City is covered by Army camps.

These days the traffic and transport situation in Pathankot has become very pathetic and getting daily deteriorated and dangerous due to increasing number of vehicles, 2, 3 and 4 wheelers, and indisciplined and careless driving of the citizens. People hardly follow traffic signals, lanes, no entries etc. The vehicles don't care for pedestrians crossing the roads. The enforcement of traffic laws by the traffic police is very rarely seen, unlike Delhi or other major cities. The road conditions are also very bad at some locations, especially during rainy seasons.

Drivers, both 2 and 4 wheelers, Army vehicles, normally do not follow one ways and drive from the wrong side of a divided road, even on highways. Crossing a busy street is always a nightmare. However, the link roads are good indeed.